Warning as dog rescue centre reaches full capacity

Lucy and Lola are jugs - a cross between a Jack Russell and a pug

An animal rescue centre has issued an urgent appeal for help after its kennels reached full capacity last week.

Maxi's Mates, based near Guisborough, had already put emergency kennels in place in recent months, providing space for 51 dogs.

One of the charity's founders, Jane Galliford, said she was worried that they would not be able to continue to help other stray dogs.

They are now concerned about the coming months and are advising people to think carefully before getting a dog.

Jane Galliford is worried about the winter months

Maxi's Mates was set up 11 years ago to raise awareness of stray and unwanted dogs in the area.

Ms Galliford said the pressure they were under was "increasing all the time" and "the phone never stops ringing for people to surrender their dogs".

She said the problem could be a result of the coronavirus lockdowns.

"I think what's happened is during Covid people were perhaps on the scramble to get dogs, they haven't really thought it through, so what they've got is dogs that are totally unsuitable for their lifestyle, they're massive dogs," she said.

"These are dogs that are going to be very difficult to rehome."

Male lurcher Cassidy has lost a leg and needs a new home

She is now urging people who are thinking of getting a dog to do their research, and ask themselves if they are in a position to take on the responsibility.

She added: "If anything happens in your life, if you lose your job, if you split up from your partner, will you still want to keep this dog?"

The charity is looking for volunteers to help with walking the dogs and cleaning, and would welcome any donations to help keep the centre running.